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July 17, 2023 12:00 PM

Perpetrators of such unfair trade practices could be prosecuted under the country's consumer protection law.

AMONG the equally astounding provinces of the Philippines, the most acclaimed perhaps when it comes to food and cuisine is Pampanga.

From appetizers to entrèes to desserts, the delectable creations of Pampanga are almost surely among the favorites. That special blend of flavors and native spices make Kapampangan dishes irresistible to the tongue’s palette.

The story of how Pampanga developed into the country’s Culinary Capital is not one that is written in Philippine history books. All that is known is that the Spanish friars and soldiers discovered the Kampangans’ cooking skills and their creativity in combining a variety of flavors to create dishes that to this day remain Pampanga’s best.

Kapampangans were trusted to cook and serve government and church authorities during the Spaniards’ rule of the Philippines. Kapampangan cooking must have been really good to have earned the confidence of those in the seat of power.

Geography might give us a clue on how Kapampangans developed their kitchen secrets. Some have surmised that this skill was developed because of the readily available supply of ingredients in the area. Pampanga is situated in Central Luzon where land was vast for rice and vegetable plantations, as well as its proximity to Manila Bay where all sorts of ocean food treasures may be found.

Pampanga’s rivers and mountains also provide a rich supply of other native ingredients that give Pampanga dishes their distinct taste.

As already mentioned, Pampanga is known today as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, a title given by media. Among the flavorful dishes that Pampanga is locally and internationally known for include sisig, which was invented by a local carinderia in Angeles City, morcon, menudo, caldereta, estofado, embutido, asado, lengua, lechon, afritada, bringhi or paella, taba ng talangka, tocino at longganisa.

Many of the “lutong bahay” dishes that we know are original Kapampangan food creations. Desserts from Pampanga are also among the favorites. Who doesn’t love Razon’s halo-halo from Guagua, their suman sa gata, suman sa lihiya, and tamales? There is also tibuk-tibuk which is a sweet delight made of carabao’s milk.

Food tourism not only in Pampanga but also in other parts of the Philippines should be given the support and boost needed to further develop Filipino cuisine and explore broader horizons for the Filipino brand of flavor. More than the scenic views that provide feasts for the eyes, the warmth and hospitality of our people, we can likewise provide a gastronomic experience for tourists that will keep them coming back for more — and Pampanga is surely the place to start. (Sponsored Content)

For a decade the tourism sector was fuelled by China but official data from four Southeast Asian countries shows a weak recovery with the number of Chinese visitors in May at least 60 per cent lower than the same month in 2019.

Under a new order, the Danone and Carslberg units have been put in "temporary management" of the state.

July 17, 2023 10:56 AM

Reshuffle is widely seen as a move to install the president's supporters in the administration ahead of polls.

July 17, 2023 10:50 AM

The two sides aimed to rebuild trust following a suspension in talks last year.

July 17, 2023 10:23 AM

Companies are tapping into India’s burgeoning middle-class and growing spending power.

July 17, 2023 10:20 AM

Kuwait is second, while Mongolia is third in the list ranking the top 10 places to retire.

July 17, 2023 10:10 AM

Rains have pummelled the country’s central and southern regions since July 13.

July 17, 2023 10:05 AM

Talim is set to be the fourth typhoon in 2023, but the first to make landfall in China.

July 17, 2023 9:55 AM

The navy staffer suspected of the theft is on the run.

July 17, 2023 9:45 AM

Several luxury housing estates have recently popped up in the Thai capital to meet the demands of foreign investors.

Modi and Xi have not had an in-person meeting since 2019 and the ongoing border dispute has only served to inflame tensions. But next month’s BRICS meeting and India’s G20 summit may provide an opportunity to engage.

Below is a live list of cities, municipalities and provinces that have canceled classes:

There is a “high chance” that the LPA spotted 1,070 kilometers east of northeast Mindanao will become a cyclone in the next 24 to 48 hours, PAGASA weather forecaster Obet Badria said. 

Tim Shaddock and his dog Bella ate raw fish and drank rainwater during their ordeal in the Pacific.

How the government responds to industry complaints about cheap imports will reveal much about its plans for India’s manufacturing sector. New Delhi cannot afford to go slow in creating a better business environment or looking to grow in the country.

Chris Hipkins said that China’s rise and how it seeks to exert that influence is a major driver of the increasing strategic competition, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised on June 8 the status of Mayon Volcano in Albay to Alert Level 3 after it showed an “increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption.”

July 17, 2023 6:43 AM

Mr Chris Hipkins outlined the country’s need to work with like-minded partners while still engaging with China.